April 24th, 2015:
I am a strong believer in the transformative power of travel. It enlightens you, inspires creativity and brings a understanding that your “way” is not the only way. I feel so strongly about this that about a decade ago, when my niece Madalyn was about 3 years old, I made her a promise that when she turned 13 years old I would take her anywhere in the world she wanted to go. Since I made that promise I have met Felicia (my wife) in Tibet, have traveled to about 40 countries, and started a full blown photography business, always knowing that 2015 would be Madalyn’s first trip out of the U.S.
She chose Ireland about a week after I first made her this offer, and stuck with it during the intervening decade. So last month, her and I boarded a plane at LAX and headed off to meet Felicia for 10 days of adventures exploring castles, eating cottage pie, and generally running amok about this corner of the old world.
Theres not really much to say other than that Madalyn made one of the most badass travelers I have ever met. She tried everything, ate everything and maintained a kinetic energy that had Felicia and I struggling to keep up. I won’t say that I am travel-jaded, but when traveling with a 13 year old to whom everything is new and exciting, I definitely had to try and keep up. As much as I preach the inspirational power of travel, Madalyn reminded me to see the new and exciting in the everyday. – Thank you Madalyn.
Ireland Part 2 coming next week!
About our 4th day of the trip we were able to meet up with Jake + Noelle, whose wedding we photographed last summer and who are currently on a 9 month around the world trip – check out their travel blog here. It was wonderful to catch up and always amazing to hear more stories from the road.
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